Work, Intern or Volunteer abroad!

There is the dream we all have of travelling the globe, working exotic jobs in equally exotic locations and filling up a photo album of 'this is me in ...' shots. With USIT this dream can become a reality and there is no end to just where and what you can do.

Shanghai to Hong Kong on a Shoestring

China

Spend a week soaking in Chinese culture, Walk the French Concession in Shanghai, Experience the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong, Admire the limestone karsts of scenic Yangshuo

You’d be surprised by just how much China you can squeeze into a single week. Need proof? Look no further than this tour. It begins with two busy days in Shanghai before heading off to Yangshuo – a backpacker’s haven set deep amid the forested hills of the Guangxi region – where you can practice calligraphy, study tai chi, and learn how to make local delicacies. Then, it’s off to Hong Kong to wrap things up with two days in one of the world’s most mind-blowing cities. Short on days, long on memories.

Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting

The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting, but make sure you’re back in time to meet the group. After introductions, your CEO will review the details of your tour. Please note that normal check-in times apply at our start hotels, but you can usually store your luggage for the day if you arrive early.

accommodation

Basic overnight train (beds)

Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.

free time

Get out and explore China's biggest city.

Optional Activities:

Oriental Pearl Tower

The Oriental Pearl Tower is an iconic building of Shanghai. Check out the city view from the highest sightseeing level of 350 m!

Yuyuan Gardens

Explore this tranquil, 400-year-old, five-acre garden. Climb to the top of the Rockery to see the greenery from above. Check out the Jade Rock and watch the swarms of goldfish swim around in the ponds. With multiple pavilions and halls there’s plenty to see. Depending on when you visit there may be flower shows or tea ceremonies in the area. Opt to visit the bustling bazaar located outside the gardens and hone your bargaining skills.

Shanghai Museum

Visit Shanghai Museum, home to a world-class collection of ancient Chinese art. Tour individual galleries devoted to such items as sculpture, bronze, ceramics, jade, coins, Ming and Qing Dynasty furniture, paintings, and calligraphy. Stop at the gift shop on your way out.

Shanghai Acrobatic Performance

Enjoy a Chinese acrobatic show with tumbling, balancing and plate-spinning. There are amazing contortionists and high-wire walkers— truly not to be missed!

Arrive in Guilin by train and transfer to the nearby village of Yangshuo, nestled among the limestone karsts jutting out of the Li River. One of the most scenic regions of China, this beautiful backpacker town is a haven for activities, cultural immersion, and relaxing at cafés.

The Li River and the limestone karst mountains interspersed with picturesque riverside villages and markets make this area perhaps the best known scenic attraction in the region.

Private Vehicle

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

free time

Discover scenic Yangshuo.

accommodation

Mountain Stream Hostel

Optional Activities:

Central Chinese Cooking Class - Yangshuo

Calling all foodies! Get an inside look at real Chinese food with a tour of the Yangshuo market to learn about the ingredients used in the Yangshuo area. Afterward, learn to cook Chinese food in a traditional Chinese farmhouse in the beautiful countryside just outside Yangshuo. After the cooking class you can sit down and enjoy the delicious dishes you have prepared.

Explore Yangshuo with a free day. Opt for a tai chi lesson, a cooking class, or try your hand at calligraphy.

free time

Get out and explore relaxing Yangshuo.

accommodation

Mountain Stream Hostel

Optional Activities:

Yangshuo Tai Chi Lesson

Learn how to do Tai Chi, the local exercise regimen. Practice in any park around sunrise, and be sure to have company from locals.

Calligraphy Yangshuo

Classes are available throughout the day and last 1 hr.

Watch and learn how to do calligraphy, a traditional form of writing Chinese characters using a brush and ink. See how calligraphers have evolved a richly varied tradition of calligraphic styles, which have been handed down from generation to generation.

Central Chinese Cooking Class - Yangshuo

Calling all foodies! Get an inside look at real Chinese food with a tour of the Yangshuo market to learn about the ingredients used in the Yangshuo area. Afterward, learn to cook Chinese food in a traditional Chinese farmhouse in the beautiful countryside just outside Yangshuo. After the cooking class you can sit down and enjoy the delicious dishes you have prepared.

Yangshuo Guided Cycle Tour

Follow the guide and cycle over the flat(ish) landscape past rice paddies, local farmers, and water buffalo. Marvel at the limestone karsts and hear the legends of how they came to be.

Chinese Language Lesson

Enjoy a lesson in basic Mandarin and practice what you've learned with the locals.

Impressions Light Show (Liu San Jie)

Take in the Light and Sound Show (Liu San Jie), a 1-hr performance that showcases the ethnic diversity of the region and tells the story of 'Third Sister Liu'. See more than 500 singers and dancers, many of whom are local farmers, perform on and around the beautiful Li River against the backdrop of the incredibly illuminated karst mountains. The show usually takes place at 8pm, and is located at the confluence of the Li and Yulong rivers on the outskirts of Yangshuo.

Moon Hill Entrance and Hike

Enjoy a hike up to Moon Hill, one of Yangshuo's most popular attractions. This karst hill has a huge hole through the middle that's shaped like the moon, hence its name. The views of the surrounding countryside from the hill are spectacular -- it's worth the climb!

Explore Yangshuo with a free day. Opt for a tai chi lesson, a cooking class, or a calligraphy lesson.

free time

Get out and explore relaxing Yangshuo.

accommodation

Mountain Stream Hostel

Optional Activities:

Central Chinese Cooking Class - Yangshuo

Calling all foodies! Get an inside look at real Chinese food with a tour of the Yangshuo market to learn about the ingredients used in the Yangshuo area. Afterward, learn to cook Chinese food in a traditional Chinese farmhouse in the beautiful countryside just outside Yangshuo. After the cooking class you can sit down and enjoy the delicious dishes you have prepared.

Yangshuo Tai Chi Lesson

Learn how to do Tai Chi, the local exercise regimen. Practice in any park around sunrise, and be sure to have company from locals.

Calligraphy Yangshuo

Classes are available throughout the day and last 1 hr.

Watch and learn how to do calligraphy, a traditional form of writing Chinese characters using a brush and ink. See how calligraphers have evolved a richly varied tradition of calligraphic styles, which have been handed down from generation to generation.

Yangshuo Guided Cycle Tour

Follow the guide and cycle over the flat(ish) landscape past rice paddies, local farmers, and water buffalo. Marvel at the limestone karsts and hear the legends of how they came to be.

Chinese Language Lesson

Enjoy a lesson in basic Mandarin and practice what you've learned with the locals.

Impressions Light Show (Liu San Jie)

Take in the Light and Sound Show (Liu San Jie), a 1-hr performance that showcases the ethnic diversity of the region and tells the story of 'Third Sister Liu'. See more than 500 singers and dancers, many of whom are local farmers, perform on and around the beautiful Li River against the backdrop of the incredibly illuminated karst mountains. The show usually takes place at 8pm, and is located at the confluence of the Li and Yulong rivers on the outskirts of Yangshuo.

Moon Hill Entrance and Hike

Enjoy a hike up to Moon Hill, one of Yangshuo's most popular attractions. This karst hill has a huge hole through the middle that's shaped like the moon, hence its name. The views of the surrounding countryside from the hill are spectacular -- it's worth the climb!

Private Vehicle

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Local train

Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.

Border Crossing (China - Hong Kong)

Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.

Metro

Get around underground via public transit.

accommodation

Pentahotel

Optional Activities:

The Symphony of Lights - Victoria Harbour

A Symphony of Lights is a daily (20:00-20:14) light and sound show in Hong Kong. It is the world's largest permanent light and sound show according to Guinness World Records.Take a stroll to the harbour for amazing view of the light show!

Temple Street Night Market

Temple Street Night Market in Kowloon is a fantastic place to sample some local food. Explore the area, search for the perfect place to eat, and chow down.